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TO: |
Board of Trustees |
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THROUGH: |
Jay Fox, Executive Director |
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FROM: |
David Hancock, Chief Capital Services Officer |
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Nichol Bourdeaux, Chief Planning and Engagement Officer |
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PRESENTER(S): |
Patti Garver, Manager of Environmental Compliance & Sustainability |
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Alex Beim, Manager of Long Range & Strategic Planning |
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TITLE:
title
TechLink TRAX Study Update and Locally Preferred Alternative Recommendation
end
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:
Discussion
RECOMMENDATION:
Informational report for discussion
BACKGROUND:
In early 2023, the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) in collaboration with Salt Lake City (SLC), the University of Utah, Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC), and the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), initiated the TechLink TRAX Study to analyze an additional light rail service between the Salt Lake City International Airport, Downtown Salt Lake City, and the University of Utah, including a connection into Research Park and a connection into the Granary District that connects into the Ballpark Station. The project also includes proposed operational changes with the Blue and Green TRAX line termini. The study consists of developing project alternatives, evaluating the alternatives relative to the project purpose and need, completing a preliminary environmental analysis of the study corridor, and selecting the study’s LPA.
This project is among UTA's top five priority projects, and revenue service is expected before the 2034 Winter Olympics.
Board Policy 3.3 - Capital Development Project Implementation establishes requirements for review and adoption of Capital Project Plans, including Locally Preferred Alternatives.
DISCUSSION:
The TechLink Study Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) extends from the Salt Lake City International Airport on the west side of Salt Lake City, along North Temple, through the downtown area, and east along 400 S to the University of Utah. This alignment, known as the Orange Line, will utilize both existing and new light rail infrastructure for the implementation of additional light rail service, providing a more direct connection between the airport and Research Park via North Temple, 400 West, 400 South and the University of Utah campus, including a new connection into Research Park. In addition, the LPA includes a realignment of the Red Line south of 400 south at 400 West into the Granary District neighborhood and eventually connecting to the existing Ballpark TRAX Station at 1300 South. The LPA proposes switching the northern termini of the Green Line and the Blue Line with the Green Line ending at Salt Lake Central and the Blue Line ending at the airport. Selection of the study’s LPA has included input from the public, stakeholders, Technical Advisory and Steering Committee. Specific agencies involved include SLC Transportation, SLC Redevelopment Agency, University of Utah, WFRC, and UDOT.
The LPA is being presented to the Board of Trustees today as an informational item. A Capital Project Plan, including the LPA and the proposed project funding plan, will be presented to the Board at a later date for consideration and adoption.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may request further evaluation of the alternatives or choose an alternative alignment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
UTA has already been selected to receive $3M in flex funds from WFRC for completion of an environmental document.
The estimated environmental and preliminary design costs for the project are included in the 5-Year Capital Plan.
ATTACHMENTS:
None